Abstract
To address crises of ecosystem degradation and poverty in the central-southern
Pacific coastal
region of Costa Rica, communities must cooperatively define problems, goals,
and strategies. The
Path of the Tapir Program is not only about sustainable development for this
region, but also serves
as a model for the regional Mesoamerican Biological Corridor Initiative. This
paper explores the
case from a policy sciences perspective to reveal strengths and gaps in processes
that might hinder
program success. This case provides lessons that are useful in many settings
within Mesoamerica
by identifying shortcomings in decision making and methods to address them
and illustrating how
local leadership and involvement can help program managers identify diverse
perspectives, values,
and strategies of those who participate in or are directly affected by a selected
program. In this
way, managers can learn to avert social conflict and, in some instances, leverage
conflict for constructive
progress toward program goals.